Gayles Retreat

Gayles is a small retreat centre ideally situated in outstanding countryside on the South Downs in the South East of England, five miles from Eastbourne and fifteen from Brighton. Here rural doesn’t mean hard to reach; there are excellent train services from the nearby towns that provide direct travel to and from London Victoria, Gatwick, Ashford International, Brighton and so on.

Ideally Situated

Gayles is just one-and-a-half hours drive from London and there is a regular bus service that conveniently stops beside the entrance. For European visitors seeking retreat facilities there is a ferry service to and from mainland Europe from Newhaven, which is only a twenty-minute drive away.

The environment and ambience at Gayles encourages an open, safe, relaxed and intimate atmosphere that promotes learning and self-development.

Flexibility

At Gayles we recognise that everyone has different needs and resources and so we do our best to offer flexibility and personal attention; teachers are welcome to hold retreats of any length beyond two nights (weekends), you can cater for yourselves or we can provide simple but delicious vegetarian meals

We pride ourselves in making here a place that allows you to focus on your activities and to really use and enjoy your time.

Intimacy

Simple is beautiful! The buildings all stand within easy reach of each other and you will not have to spend time looking for room 9001C or the mysteriously-named outhouse somewhere over there, and as we only cater for one course at a time you will never have the distraction of other students wandering in your space.

As our accommodation is mainly in dormitories and students eat (and sometimes cook) communally there is a wonderful natural opportunity for bringing your group together; for people to bond and discover new qualities in each other and so make the whole experience that much deeper and more rewarding. There is also plenty of space for quiet contemplation as well as seasonal use of the (outdoor) swimming pool.

Support

Gayles has been our, Roz and Derry’s, family home for many years and we have been hosting retreats here for more than seven years now. Previously, we have both worked in therapeutic and support fields for government and charitable bodies and Roz practiced as a psychotherapeutic counsellor with the NHS as well as teaching yoga, she now also runs her own retreats at Gayles.

We live on the estate and manage almost every aspect of the place ourselves so we not only have a thorough understanding of where everything is and (mostly!) how it works but are also almost always on hand to provide any practical support you may need – bookings, directions, local knowledge, sourcing, fixing and attending to the everyday details.

Rural retreats in the South East just one-and-a-half hours from London.

What people say about Gayles Retreat

“I came with no expectations, yet it went above and beyond everything I could possibly imagine. …… I have felt so happy and free being here. I think it’s quite a spiritual place and it’s been amazing to tap into that.”

A Guest, A NEW YEAR SILENT RETREAT with ROZ ROBINSON

“I really appreciate that there are places like Gayles where you can come away from your normal environment and tune into yourself more and get closer to the truth of things. Thank you”

Deirdre, WALKING INTO SILENCE WITH ROZ ROBINSON

“…. all the students were highly enthusiastic about all aspects of Gayles and the environment, atmosphere, attention to detail and ,of course, love poured into the place was felt very keenly.”

“This has been one of the best experiences of my life – such good people, food and environment. Thank you so much.”

Matt, A NEW YEAR SILENT RETREAT with ROZ ROBINSON

“This was my first yoga retreat and also first experience of extended silence and I loved it. So restorative and nourishing for my emotional needs which were running particularly low when I arrived…it’s been a truly wonderful weekend, with very generous hospitality and amazing food. Thank you!”

A guest, WALKING INTO SILENCE WITH ROZ ROBINSON

“The spectacular sea cliffs nearby and the surrounding open countryside offer an opportunity for uplifting contact with nature that is an added blessing. All of this combines to make Gayles an ideal place to be on retreat. Having taught meditation retreats in many venues around the world for over 20 years, Gayles Retreat is one that I rate highly, and I look forward to returning.”